National Geographic Adds Adventure Trips to Its Offerings

For years, National Geographic has inspired readers of its popular glossy magazine to journey to exotic lands, with its stunning images and first-rate travel experts. Now, in a move that’s a natural extension of its work over the years, Nat Geo has finally joined the ranks of adventure travel outfitters.

The Society has recently announced its aptly named National Geographic Adventures, which are sure to spike the adrenaline of any adventure traveler. They feature 11 unique itineraries that will combine cultural and physical activity among some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet, from hiking in Patagonia (photo above courtesy of Flickr/Rick McCharles) to horseback riding across Mongolia to kayaking into Alaska’s sea wilderness with bears, whales, and otters.

Each itinerary has been crafted with the input of an esteemed Nat Geo expert, ensuring an experience as rich in history and culture as it is in adventure. Trips are designated with an activity level rating from easy to strenuous, with an “ultimate challenge” option available. Guests will stay in accommodations ranging from quaint mountain lodges and inns to luxury tents; the maximum group size is just 16 to ensure an optimum experience.

The new trips expand Nat Geo’s existing traveler program, Expeditions, which was founded in 1999, and represent the society’s attempt to grab a piece of the rapidly growing adventure travel industry. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/natgeoadventures.

In other adventure travel news, here’s a discount that shows some love for single travelers, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Country Walkers is nixing its single supplement – that much-despised phrase for solo sojourners – for two of its most exotic Asian adventures, both with an April 26 departure.

For an 11-day excursion of China’s southern provinces, from Beijing’s Great Wall (photo at left courtesy of Flickr/Michael Goodine) to Xi’an’s Ming Dynasty wall surrounding the old city, the $850 solo supplement will be waived. Same goes for the $475 single supplement for the 10-day Bhutan: Kingdom in the Himalayas trip, which includes visits to museums, monuments, and monasteries in one of Asia’s emerging destinations.